Intra-Company Transferee Visa in Japan: HR Guide for Foreign Companies

Understanding the Transferee Visa for Employees on Secondment to Japan

For multinational corporations expanding operations in Japan, the Intra-Company Transferee Visa is a critical tool for transferring key employees from overseas headquarters, subsidiaries, or affiliated offices to their Japan-based entity.

✅ Designed for foreign employees on assignment in Japan for a fixed period. ✅ Executives and senior management may require a Business Manager Visa instead. ✅ Seconded employees may qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) in Japan.

Eligibility & Requirements for an Intra-Company Transferee Visa

To qualify, the following conditions must be met:

1. Employment History in the Overseas Group Company

• The applicant must have been employed for at least one year in a white-collar position at a parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate overseas.

2. Temporary Assignment in Japan

• The transferee must have a limited period of planned activity in Japan.

3. Job Role Must Be in a White-Collar Position

• The applicant’s role in Japan must align with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESHIS) Visa criteria.

4. Salary Must Be Competitive

• Compensation must be equal to or higher than that of a Japanese national in a comparable position.

5. Financial Stability of the Japanese Entity

• Immigration authorities will evaluate the Japanese employer’s financial health, reviewing tax filings, business scale, and profit margins.

📌 Eligible Foreign Group Companies

• Must be part of a consolidated corporate group under Japanese accounting standards.
• Salary payments can be structured as fully overseas-based, Japan-based, or split between both locations.

Processing Time & Documentation for Intra-Company Transfers

Standard Processing Time

⏳ 1 to 3 months (varies by immigration office, employer status, and applicant background).

Key Documents for Application

📌 From the Employee (Applicant):

• Passport & residence certificate (if already in Japan)
• Resume with employment history
• Employment contract specifying salary & job description
• Proof of employment at the overseas company for 1+ year

📌 From the Japanese Employer:

• Certificate of registered matters (登記簿謄本)
• Company tax return documents & financial statements
• Letter explaining the reason for transfer & period of stay
• Organizational chart showing the company’s structure

Special Benefits: Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa Upgrade

Intra-company transferees may be eligible for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa if they meet the following criteria:

✅ Master’s Degree or Higher ✅ Annual Salary of 10M+ JPY ✅ JLPT N1 Certification

📢 Advantages of the HSP Visa:

• 5-Year Visa Approval
• Eligibility for PR in Just 1 Year
• Permission to Sponsor Parents for Childcare

🎯 HR Teams: Offering HSP Visa eligibility can be a major hiring incentive for international talent. Contact us to explore how your company can benefit.

Legal Compliance & Post-Employment Requirements

After obtaining a Transferee Visa, companies must ensure compliance with Japanese labor and immigration laws: ✅ Notify Immigration Bureau of any job changes, contract amendments, or resignations. ✅ Ensure payroll tax and social insurance contributions are properly managed. ✅ Monitor visa renewal deadlines and status adjustments for long-term employees.

🚨 Legal Risk Alert: Hiring employees without proper visa sponsorship or compliance with Japanese labor laws can lead to corporate penalties, visa revocations, and employer blacklisting. Our firm provides HR and legal support to ensure full compliance.

Need Assistance with an Intra-Company Transferee Visa?

At Continental Consulting, we assist HR teams and foreign corporations in Japan with: ✅ Visa Sponsorship & Application Strategy ✅ Corporate Immigration Compliance ✅ Transitioning from a Transferee Visa to Permanent Residency ✅ Work Visa Solutions for Global Mobility Programs

📢 Contact us today for expert HR and visa support!

About Our Expert

Masakazu Murai – Immigration Consultant & Financial Advisor

📌 18+ years in Investment Banking (Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley)
📌 Certified Immigration Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi)
📌 CMA (Certified Financial Analyst, Japan)
📌 CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
📌 MBA in Entrepreneurship

🔹 Specialist in Corporate Immigration & Business Visas for Global Companies.
🔹 Expert in HR Solutions for Multinational Companies Expanding in Japan.

📢 HR Teams & Employers: Need a tailored visa solution? Contact us today!